Celebrate Michigan Trails Week

With 13,000 miles of state-managed trails, Michigan Trails Week needed eight days to celebrate.

Whether you’re into hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, off-roading or paddling, it’s pretty easy to find a trail nearby.

From Sunday, September 20th to Sunday, September 27th, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources encourages everyone to enjoy and experience the trails system.

“Michigan’s trails are a public treasure, and they’re here for everyone,” said Paul Yauk, state trails coordinator, DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “These eight days of Michigan Trails Week are a great opportunity to check out new trails, visit old favorites or maybe try a new activity on trails that take you past small towns, urban centers, historic sites, state parks and stunning natural settings.”

This year every mile counts, as the DNR and the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance are hoping residents can collectively travel 100,000 miles during Michigan Trails Week. Whether you run, hike, ride or paddle, just self-report your treks and earn badges for different milestones. Earn a badge when you register for the event and log at least 1 mile. Then every time you horseback ride for five miles, bike for 10 miles, or paddle for two miles as well as walk, run or hike for five miles you can earn additional badges. Badges enter you in a drawing for cool outdoor gear and Michigan branded prizes and there is no fee to participate.